Correspondence of Pierre Baume

Administrative / Biographical History

"Baume, Pierre Henri Joseph (1797–1875) radical activist and eccentric, was born at Marseilles on 17 October 1797...For many years Baume hoped to establish an educational institute on communist principles, but the project was never realized. During the course of the Owenite socialist agitation his distinctive appearance, considerable knowledge, ready speech, and ability to devise striking placards and proclamations made him a notable character...In May 1837 Baume was committed to Fleet prison for one year for refusing to meet certain financial demands. Believed to have amassed a fortune as a foreign spy, he was as renowned for his promises of financial support to radical causes as he was for never fulfilling the promises...For several years Baume resided in Manchester, where he organized Sunday lectures on radical social and educational topics, but in 1857 he paid a visit to the Isle of Man, and subsequently took up his residence there, purchasing various properties."